[Embroidery & Felt] Handmade Ideas for Patches
Many parents probably want to add patches to their child’s hat or bag when they start preschool or elementary school.
But patches can get unexpectedly expensive if you plan to buy several of them.
So in this article, we’re introducing ideas for making your own patches.
While embroidery is the classic approach for patches, we also show how to make patches using only felt.
We feature a variety of designs—animals, food, vehicles, characters, and more—so please take a look for inspiration!
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[Embroidery & Felt] Handmade Patch Ideas (1–10)
[Embroidery & Needle] Sanrio
![[Embroidery & Needle] Sanrio](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/U12JeeFqEac/sddefault.jpg)
Let’s make fluffy patches of Sanrio characters Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll.
We’ll use an embroidery needle.
Since you can embroider simply by punching straight down into the base fabric, it’s a reassuring idea even for those who struggle with stitching.
First, draw the character outlines on the base fabric and prepare threads in your favorite colors.
Then just thread the needle and start punching.
Once you’re done, secure the back with adhesive and trim away the excess with scissors, and you’re finished!
Embroidery: Name

These are name patches you’ll want to put on your child’s belongings.
We’ll finish everything with embroidery, but since they’re small, they won’t take too long.
We’ll stitch the child’s name in hiragana and add a small car as an accent.
First, draw the car and the name on the base fabric.
Then embroider over them with thread in your favorite colors.
Use a running stitch for the name and a satin stitch for the car.
Once the name and car are stitched, finish by working a hole stitch around the edge to complete it.
[Embroidery] Sushi
![[Embroidery] Sushi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ibG7fdw_jjI/sddefault.jpg)
Sushi is often used as a motif in children’s clothing design, isn’t it? In the past, it was a special food for celebrations, but these days, with conveyor-belt sushi and the like, it’s become familiar to children as well.
So this time, let’s make a sushi patch.
We’ll draw a rough sketch of the sushi and embroider over it.
Once the embroidery is finished, wash off the chalk pen with water, cut away the excess fabric leaving a small border, snip into the fabric, and glue it to the back.
Finally, attach an iron-on sheet, and it’s complete.
[Embroidery & Felt] Handmade Patch Ideas (11–20)
[Embroidery] Animals
![[Embroidery] Animals](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e_npo2LO4T8/sddefault.jpg)
When it comes to patches, animals are a classic choice.
In this idea, we’ll make a bear patch while introducing some basic stitching techniques.
Use a single strand of thread for the nose, and stitch the face with two strands in a radial pattern.
Once you learn this method, you’ll be able to embroider all kinds of animals, so give it a try.
The key to embroidery is to take your time and progress little by little.
A small size should be easy even for beginners to tackle.
If you like, try making one yourself!
[Felt] Shimajiro
![[Felt] Shimajiro](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0qmhQ-VrHn0/sddefault.jpg)
Shimajiro is a character from Benesse’s educational materials, Kodomo Challenge.
Since there are also an anime and movies, many of you might know him from those.
Here’s an idea for making a Shimajiro patch out of felt.
All you have to do is cut the parts from felt and sew them onto the base, so even beginners can give it a try easily.
The key to making it cute is to carefully check the placement of each piece before sewing.
Layer a sketch underneath or otherwise confirm the positions as you work.
To keep the pieces from shifting, it’s also a good idea to temporarily fix them in place with embroidery adhesive.
[Felt] Kirby
![[Felt] Kirby](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-RdI9xFnEVA/sddefault.jpg)
Kirby, the character from the action game “Kirby.” He’s adorable as a patch too, so why not try making one? Cut the body and feet pieces from pink felt in two shades and sew them onto a backing.
Make the eyes with three colors—black, navy, and white—and use the same pink felt as the feet for the cheeks.
For sewing, basically use a whip stitch, but do the mouth with backstitch.
If you’re not confident with stitching, you can draw it with a black pen instead.
Trim away any excess backing and you’re done.
Felt is also sold at 100-yen shops, so try looking there.
[Felt] Police Car
![[Felt] Police Car](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j0z09LzVrzA/sddefault.jpg)
Many boys, in particular, seem to love police cars, don’t they? The police, who protect the town’s safety and catch bad guys, are the closest heroes to us.
Here’s an idea for a police car patch made with felt.
After cutting the parts out of felt, glue the pieces in place.
Add the stitching with a sewing machine.
Since a machine is used, the size is on the larger side, but it has great presence! Attach it to clothing or a bag and it’s sure to catch your friends’ attention.


